WW2 M5A1 Stuart Light Tank Normandy - footage.

The M3 Light tank was developed after the American tank designers realized that the Light Tank M2 was becoming obsolete and set about improving it, the M2 was based upon the prototype T2 light tank built by Rock Island Arsenal, after it became clear that the US Army was ill-prepared as far as armored vehicles, training and tactics went. and in 1939 it became clear that a new model, which could be favorably compared to the European models, had to be studied for mass production.

The upgraded design, had thicker armor, and for the time the M3 was heavily armored for a Light Tank, it also had modified suspension and new gun recoil system and would be called the Light Tank M3. Production of the vehicle started in March 1941 and continued until October 1943.
The M3 was initially armed with a 37 mm M5 gun and five .30-06 Browning M1919A4 machine guns, on top of the turret in an M20 anti-aircraft mount, in a ball mount in right bow, and in the right and left hull sponsons. Later, the gun was replaced with the slightly longer M6, and the sponson machine guns were removed.

The M3A3 was a new design based on the experience made by the English in North Africa, The A3 would have a gyro-stabilizer, hydraulically controlled turret, and would have the side armament removed by a new frame made of welded steel sheets, with the Continental W-670 gasoline engine.
It would also get new access hatches on the top hull, and the radio equipment was moved to the rear of the turret.
M3 would be replaced by the M4, which was later re designated M5 to avoid confusion with the M4 Sherman. The M5 which was developed to relieve the use of radial aero-engines, so the M5 was developed to fit twin Cadillac V8 and had a twin Hydra-Matic transmissions operating through a transfer case.
It would have a raised rear deck over the engine compartment, sloped glacis plate and driver's hatches moved to the top, and the M5A1 would see a new turret, the new M5 would be quieter, cooler and roomier, but would still have the same 37 mm gun, which lacked firepower, so the M5 would be replaced for the Light Tank M24 in 1944, after 8,885 M5 and M5A1 tanks were produced.

The M3 and M5 would be used by many countries after the war, countries like The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Colombia, Cuba, and Paraguay are still using the M3 for training today.

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